Teachers College ONLINE

An education degree for their future and yours.

Gold Standard

of Excellence

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure.

Top 1% in TEACHER PREPARATION

The National Council on Teacher Quality placed WGU's secondary teacher certification programs in the 99th percentile nationwide.1

Overview

Teaching degrees recognized in all 50 states.

You have a calling—to help students get the most out of their education. Make sure you get the most out of yours. Earn a teaching degree for about half what you’d pay at other online universities. Our student obsession means you get flexibility, affordability, quality, and personalized support.

#1 in STEM

WGU leads the nation in producing STEM teachers—and as a member of 100Kin10, that focus remains strong.

Compare Degrees

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 79% of grads earned this degree in 18–48 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring elementary school teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This elementary education degree program includes courses in the foundations of teacher education, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core teacher education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to dual teaching license in elementary education and K–12 special education. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.) If your state offers a single K–12 special education license and you are interested in focusing on teaching students with mild to moderate exceptionalities, consider the B.A. Special Education (Mild to Moderate) program. (Click button below.)

Time: 71% of grads earned this degree in 1½–4 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring special ed teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This special education teaching degree program prepares you to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, with courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, assessment, and classroom management. Core elementary and special education courses focus on diversity, disciplinary literacy, elementary education methods, and special education topics such as law, assessment, and behavioral management. This program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring K–12 special education teachers. Leads to your teaching license in states that offer a single license in K–12 special education. If your state requires—or if you're interested in—dual licensure in both elementary education and K–12 special education, consider the B.A. Special Education (K–12) program (click button below).

Time: 71% of grads finish similar programs in 1½–4 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring special ed teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This program includes coursework and assessments tailor-made for future teachers who are committed to working with students who have mild to moderate learning exceptionalities. It offers deep engagement in serving special education students and leads to your K–12 special education license in states that do not require dual elementary-ed and special-ed licensure. It also includes a preclinical experience with observation hours and a Demonstration Teaching component hosted by an experienced teacher and directed by a clinical supervisor.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in states that have a middle-grades math teaching license. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 75% of grads earned this degree in 1–3 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for math.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This math teaching degree program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, general education, mathematics content, middle school math content, diversity, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school and high school math teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 73% of grads earned this degree in 1½–4 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for math.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This math teaching degree program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, general education, mathematics content, math education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle school science teachers. Leads to teaching license in all states that have a middle-grades general science teaching license. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 71% of grads earned this degree in 18–40 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high or middle school science teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for science.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This science teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, science, mathematics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school biology teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 89% of grads earned this degree in 16–48 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high or high school biology teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for biology.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This biology teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, biology, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school chemistry teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 73% of grads earned this degree in 18–48 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high or high school chemistry teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for chemistry.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This chemistry teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, chemistry, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school physics teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 86% of grads earned this degree in 19–43 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high or high school physics teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for physics.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This physics teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, physics, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school earth sciences teachers. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 69% of grads earned this degree in 16–48 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,520 per 6-month term, plus a one-time fee of $350 to cover the cost of an at-home science lab.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high or high school geoscience teachers who currently lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for earth science.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This geosciences teaching degree program includes coursework in the following areas: general education, foundations of teaching, general science, mathematics, earth sciences, pedagogy, science education, field experience, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 82% of grads earned this degree in 11–24 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring elementary school teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This post-baccalaureate elementary school teacher preparation program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, effective teaching practices, and math content. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 83% of graduates finish in 12–24 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring elementary teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This elementary-ed MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics content, instructional planning and presentation, elementary education methods, and effective teaching practices. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 94% of graduates finish within 2 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for math.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This M.A. Teaching program in secondary math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) program in that it does not require courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling.

An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 87% of graduates finish within 2 years.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high and high school math teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for math.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This M.A. Teaching program in secondary math education includes courses in the foundations of teaching, mathematics education, instructional planning and presentation, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

It differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling.

An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school science teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 78% of graduates finish in 10–24 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high and high school science teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for science.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This graduate-level secondary science teaching program includes the following areas of coursework: foundations of teaching, science education, pedagogy, field experience, research, and a teacher performance assessment. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

An online master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field. Leads to teaching license in all 50 states. (Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.)

Time: 78% of graduates finish in 12–18 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Candidates for this program often include:

Aspiring junior high and high school English teachers who currently hold a bachelor's degree but lack a teaching license.

Substitute teachers.

Career-changers with a passion for English.

School paraprofessionals.

Others who feel the call to teach.

This secondary English MAT program includes courses in the foundations of teaching, instructional planning and presentation, English content, research, and pedagogy. It requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time demonstration teaching.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.

Considering a career in the classroom.

Teachers are role models who truly make a difference to their young students. But teaching is much more than helping kids learn to read and do math. Teachers change lives, and it takes a special kind of person to be an outstanding teacher.

An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.

Time: 78% of grads earned this degree in 12–22 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program includes:

Process management

Strategic planning

Performance excellence

Governance, finance, law, and leadership

Measurement, analysis, and knowledge management

Workforce focus

Other courses, including a capstone project and a series of performance tasks to take place under the leadership of a practicing state licensed school principal or assistant principal in a practicum school site (K–12).

Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree.

An online master's degree for current teachers or others looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on integrating technology with instructional design principles. (*No teaching license required.)

Time: 77% of grads earned this degree in 6–24 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,385 per 6-month term.

Coursework in this program covers the following areas of study:

Instructional design

Research fundamentals

Technology integration

Harness the power of technology to teach more kids in better ways with this education master's degree.

An online program for currently licensed elementary and secondary school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL or ESL settings. Become highly qualified in ELL or ESL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.

Time: 83% of grads finish in 6–20 months.

Tuition and fees: $3,685 per 6-month term.

Coursework you will complete in this program:

Culture

Language production, theory, and acquisition

Theories of second language acquisition and grammar

Planning, implementing, and managing instruction

Assessment theory and practice

Professional role of the ELL teacher

ELL-specific pedagogy

Field experience in a K–12 classroom that serves English language learners

Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.

An online program for those with master’s degrees to become a principal, vice principal, or associate principal. This program is designed for currently licensed teachers who desire to become licensed as a school principal.

Advance your career in education as a principal or vice principal with this online endorsement-prep program.

*This program is not available in the following states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Consider the M.S. Educational Leadership program instead.

The Teachers College at Western Governors University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. WGU is the first competency-based online university to receive CAEP accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure.

Top 1% in TEACHER PREPARATION

The National Council on Teacher Quality placed WGU's secondary teacher certification programs in the 99th percentile nationwide.1

Popular programs.

Start exploring your degree options by looking at a few of our programs in highest demand.

$2,000 Become a Teacher Scholarships—apply by Dec. 31.

$3,000 scholarship for military service members, veterans, and their dependents.

WGU is proud to serve those who serve, those who have served, and their families. Designed for flexibility, affordability, portability, and relevance, we're perfect for military students—and we've been named a top military-friendly university year after year. To celebrate Veterans Day, we announce the Salute to Veterans Scholarship, worth up to $3,000. Active-duty and retired military personnel, veterans, reservists, and their spouses and children are eligible to apply. Apply by December 31.

Accredited. Recognized. Respected.

Accredited

WGU's Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. Paired with WGU's accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), you can be assured your teaching degree from WGU will be highly respected.

Respected

95% of employers rate the teaching skills of WGU Teacher College graduates as good as, or better than, graduates of other institutions. Our graduates include recipients of many awards and grants, such as: Top 10 Innovative Teachers in the Nation by the Henry Ford Innovation Nation, Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award, Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award.

Recognized

In 2017, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) placed WGU's Teachers College in the top 1% nationwide for the quality of its secondary teacher-preparation programs. This follows several other NCTQ recognitions, including the nation's #1 best value for teacher education in 2015.

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

"Don't stand in my way."

Brittany Pierce wanted to be pushed beyond what she knew from years of teaching. She came to WGU prepared to work hard, using the ability to accelerate through her program to her advantage, and graduated in 11 months. Brittany talks about using lessons from her coursework in the M.A. Science Education program in her own classroom the very next day, and she says completing her program quickly took focus and self-motivation.

What we see in Brittany is what we see in all WGU Night Owls: passion, persistence, and commitment to achieve a goal.

Thought leadership: cutting-edge conversations on education.

Teaching girls bravery through STEM.

Reshma Saujani | Girls Who Code

In a culture that sells girls T-shirts that say, "I'm allergic to algebra," it's time for educators and role models to send the message, "STEM is for you!"

The will to be great at your craft.

Principal Baruti Kafele

Teachers, do you think of your job as a craft? Are you driven to be the best? The work of a teacher has direct implications in the lives of students—you've got to bring your best every day.

We consistently evaluate ourselves, based on the performance of graduates of the Teachers College.

The faculty supporting our Teachers College students and programs comprises richly experienced teachers, administrators, and specialty educators. WGU faculty members understand the K–12 education field—its challenges and opportunities. Their student obsession is second to none, with a singular focus on helping to develop stellar educators.

“Encouraging students to believe in their capacity for success is an integral part of mentoring. WGU Course Instructors couple that encouragement with a commitment to creatively supporting students’ mastery of the competencies in our courses. We frequently remind students that learning requires exertion, but they are not laboring alone.”

Carmen TurnerCourse Instructor
Teachers College

"When a student pursues an online degree, it is often with the assumption of isolation. However, WGU students experience a faculty of mentors who are dedicated to engaging and supporting them in pursuit of their graduation goals. I am honored to work for a university that is student-centric and dedicated to disrupting higher education through a competency-based approach to learning.”

Dawn BlackProgram Mentor, Teachers College

“WGU students humble me because many of them persist through adversity that might have overwhelmed me. They inspire me to help every one of my students succeed.”

Gideon WeinsteinCourse Instructor, Teachers College

The faculty supporting our Teachers College students and programs comprises richly experienced teachers, administrators, and specialty educators. WGU faculty members understand the K–12 education field—its challenges and opportunities. Their student obsession is second to none, with a singular focus on helping to develop stellar educators.

“Encouraging students to believe in their capacity for success is an integral part of mentoring. WGU Course Instructors couple that encouragement with a commitment to creatively supporting students’ mastery of the competencies in our courses. We frequently remind students that learning requires exertion, but they are not laboring alone.”

Carmen TurnerCourse Instructor
Teachers College

"When a student pursues an online degree, it is often with the assumption of isolation. However, WGU students experience a faculty of mentors who are dedicated to engaging and supporting them in pursuit of their graduation goals. I am honored to work for a university that is student-centric and dedicated to disrupting higher education through a competency-based approach to learning.”

Dawn BlackProgram Mentor, Teachers College

“WGU students humble me because many of them persist through adversity that might have overwhelmed me. They inspire me to help every one of my students succeed.”